By IANS,
New Delhi: More funds and development schemes for the northeastern states were promised as Tribal Affairs Minister Kanti Lal Bhuria wrapped up his three-day visit to the region Wednesday.
The minister, summing up his visit said that norms for opening residential schools for tribal children will be relaxed in the northeastern states.
“While Rs.12 crore is being given for schools in the plains Rs.16 crore will be provided in hilly areas. Also the land requirement for schools which is 20 acres for other areas will be reduced to 16 acres for tribal areas,” Bhuria said after the visit.
“We want the tribal people across the country to not only get land rights in forest areas but also enjoy the benefits of development,” he said.
During his visit, Bhuria met the Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandoo.
“If the State government works in tandem with the Centre, the tribal people will not lag behind but forge ahead on every front,” the minister added.
According to official sources, after reviewing the central schemes operational in the state the minister said that more funds will be granted to them.
“He said that the centre will provide more funds under various schemes to the northeast for overall development of its tribal population,” an official said.